Lori Lite, Founder of Stress Free Kids, talks to us about her amazing line of books and CDs designed to help children, teens and adults decrease stress, anxiety & anger.
AiT: How did you come to create this great resource, Stress Free Kids and these relaxation stories?
LL: A typical bedtime for my son took 2 hours trying to settle him down to sleep. I created stories that incorporated research-based, stress management techniques in the hopes that he would follow along, use an actual technique and fall asleep. It worked and I began my journey of creating more stories and CDs to help children, teens, and adults. As my children grew, I grew. My teenagers made me realize the intense need for a teen CD. I created Indigo Teen Dreams just for teenagers and the stressors they face.
AiT: As a parent, what were the most challenging aspects of dealing with a child with anxiety issues?
LL: The most challenging issue we had with anxiety was stress related night terrors. It is terrifying to hear and see your child in a night terror in the middle of the night.
AiT: Tell us a little about the SFK’s products, for what situations are they useful for? What sort of relaxation techniques are used?
LL: Positive statements, deep breathing, visualizing, and progressive muscle relaxation are all used in each of my stories and CD tracks. My Indigo Dreams Series has a CD for each age group including children, teenagers, and parents. Once the techniques are learned they can be applied to any and all situations. Learning to manage stress and anger while building self-esteem are lifelong skills.
AiT: Besides bringing these books and CDs into the household, what other techniques did you apply for a less-stressful atmosphere for your kids?
LL: There are so many things parents can do and not do. Living life in balance is essential. Children and teens copy what they see. If they see parents that demonstrate self-care and self-love they will want that for themselves. Children and teens do not want to be overscheduled or rushed. Simple things like eating dinner together, climbing a tree, turning relaxing music on, and being present are all stress busters. Be sure to give teenagers boundaries. A teen without boundaries is a teen with much stress. One of the easiest is hugging…lots of hugs…
AiT: When and how often should children listen/read the SFK’s books?
LL: Some children and teens choose to listen to the Indigo Dreams CDs each and every night and some reach for them when they are under stress or having difficulty falling asleep. Some prefer to listen to the CDs during the day. Each family can create their own formula for relaxation success. With my new line of relaxation music CDs the options are even wider. Teenagers can listen to Indigo Dreams: Teen Relaxation Music anytime and anywhere. Many have it in their iTunes library. On a side note, it is easier to teach anger management and anxiety reducing techniques during calm moments.
AiT: Which SFK story is your personal favorite?
LL: LOL! That is like asking which one of my children is my favorite! I love them all and they are each an expression of my heart and soul.
Stress Free Kids founder Lori Lite has created a line of books and CDs designed to help children, teens, and adults decrease stress, anxiety, and anger. Ms. Lite’s books, CDs, and lesson plans are considered a resource for parents, psychologists, therapists, child life specialists, teachers, and yoga instructors. Lori is a certified children’s meditation facilitator and Sears’ Manage My Life parenting expert. For more information visit Stress Free Kids and for daily advice follow Lori on Twitter and Facebook.